What led you to play field hockey?
I come from a field hockey family, so the sport has always been part of my environment. From a very young age, I would go to my older cousin’s games and spend most of the time playing on the sidelines, trying to copy what I saw on the field. My mom, my aunt, and my cousin all played under the same coach, who later became my coach as well when I started in second grade. My mom also coached me during my elementary school years, so I was constantly surrounded by the game both at home and on the field. It felt natural for me to follow that path, and over time it became something I genuinely fell in love with rather than just something I grew up around.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My mom is my biggest inspiration. She has always been my strongest supporter, but beyond that, she is the hardest working person I know. She has made countless sacrifices throughout my life to give me the opportunity to chase my dreams, while always staying present and involved in my journey. What inspires me most is not only her support, but also her mindset and work ethic. She leads by example every single day, and that has shaped how I approach both sport and life.

What does field hockey mean to you right now?
Right now, field hockey is a huge part of my identity and daily life. It is something I have dedicated years of work and energy to, and it has played a major role in shaping who I am as a person. It has given me structure, discipline, and purpose, but also so many opportunities that I am incredibly grateful for. Through hockey, I have experienced unforgettable moments, built strong friendships, and learned lessons that go far beyond sport. It continues to challenge me every day and pushes me to grow in ways I never expected.

What was it like to represent your country? How did it feel?
Representing the United States is one of the greatest honors of my life. Every time I step on the field in the national team jersey, I feel a deep sense of pride and responsibility. It is not something I take for granted, because I know how many people have worked for years to reach that level. It also motivates me to give everything I have, not only for myself and my teammates, but also for the people who support us and for the younger generation who might be watching and dreaming of doing the same one day.

Which achievement are you most proud of and why?
Being part of the 2024 Paris Olympic Team is definitely my proudest achievement so far. The qualification process was extremely challenging, and as a group we had to push ourselves harder than ever before to get there. It was a moment that did not come easily, which made it even more meaningful. What made it especially special was that it was the first Olympic experience for every single player on the roster, so we all went through it together for the first time. Sharing that journey with my teammates, both the highs and the challenges, is something I will always remember and value deeply.

How would you describe your own playing style?
As a midfielder, I focus on keeping my game simple, efficient, and reliable. I try to make the right decisions under pressure and support both the defensive and attacking phases of the game. I take pride in being solid on the ball, working hard off it, and helping connect the team in a way that keeps us organized and balanced. My goal is always to make the players around me better and to contribute in a consistent and steady way throughout the game.

What makes you unique on the field? What do fans recognize you for?
The first thing people usually notice about me is probably my bangs. I get a lot of questions about how I manage to play with them constantly in my face, and it has become a bit of a signature look for me. It is something small, but it definitely makes me recognizable on the field and adds a bit of personality to how people see me as a player.

What is your ritual before and after the game?
Before games, I focus on getting into the right mindset through music, usually something upbeat and energetic to help me feel ready. I also make sure I go through a proper activation and stretching routine to prepare my body, and I like to have coffee and a solid breakfast as part of my pregame preparation. After games, I prioritize recovery with stretching and taking care of my body, followed by a team debrief where we reflect on the performance together. Then I usually enjoy a big meal, which feels like a nice way to reset after a match.

How is a normal day in your life?
A typical day starts around 9am with training and conditioning on the field, which usually lasts about two hours. After that, I often have a gym session or team meetings that take me through to early afternoon. Depending on the schedule, we sometimes have a second training session later in the day. On days when we do not, I use the afternoon for recovery, personal work, coaching, or other hobbies. My routine is structured but also allows flexibility depending on the training load.

What makes you happy?
The people in my life are what make me happiest. Spending time with family and friends helps me stay grounded and enjoy life outside of sport. I really value those relationships because they bring balance and perspective. And of course, dogs always make me happy too. They are a simple but constant source of joy for me.

What do you do besides field hockey?
Outside of playing, I stay involved in the sport by umpiring and occasionally coaching clinics, which I really enjoy because it allows me to give back and connect with younger players. I also do some dog-sitting from time to time. Beyond that, I like keeping a healthy balance with everyday activities that are not hockey related.

How do you stay on top of your game?
Self-care and recovery are extremely important for me. At this level, it is not just about training hard, but also about taking care of your body and mind so you can perform consistently. I pay close attention to recovery routines, rest, and mental well-being. Staying healthy and balanced allows me to keep improving and stay available for the demands of high-performance sport.

What do you still want to achieve as an athlete?
One of my biggest goals is to compete at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and help my team compete for a medal. That is something I think about a lot and work toward every day. I want to continue growing as a player and contribute to the team’s success on the international stage.

How do you see the evolution of field hockey in the coming years?
I think field hockey will continue to evolve in terms of speed, structure, and overall level of play. Teams are constantly finding new ways to improve and innovate, which makes the game more exciting. I also believe the sport will gain more visibility and media coverage, especially in the United States, which will help it grow and attract new audiences.

What does it mean for you to be an Osaka ambassador?
Being an Osaka ambassador is something I am really proud of. It means representing a brand that I genuinely trust and that supports athletes at a high level. I also appreciate the opportunity to showcase their products and share how they contribute to my performance on the field.

How has Osaka influenced your career as an athlete?
Osaka has provided me with high-quality equipment that helps me perform with confidence. Knowing I can rely on my gear allows me to focus fully on my game. They have also created opportunities for me to engage with younger players and be part of initiatives that help grow the sport, which is something I really value.

What prompted you to team up with Osaka?
I was initially drawn to Osaka because of their reputation for high-performance equipment and their strong presence in the sport. Beyond that, I also saw a chance to be more involved in the hockey community through their events and partnerships, which made it a great fit for me.

What is your most important advice for a beginner athlete?
My advice would be to make the process enjoyable. One way to do that is by creating small challenges or competitions for yourself during practice, which keeps things engaging and fun. It is also important to stay consistent and always try to improve a little bit every day, because that is what leads to long-term development.

How do you want to inspire young players?
I want to help grow field hockey across the United States and show young players how exciting and rewarding the sport can be. It offers so many opportunities, both on and off the field, and I hope to encourage others to explore those possibilities and stick with the game.

How do you want to be remembered as a player?
I would like to be remembered as a team player who contributed to helping the program grow and become a strong competitor at the international level. Someone who gave everything for the team and helped move the program forward.

What would you tell your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to keep pushing forward, even when things feel difficult or uncertain. Every challenge is part of the process, and although it may not always feel like it at the time, the experience and growth you gain along the way are absolutely worth it.